Beetroot juice is extracted out of raw beets, and is a rich source of folate, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B complex and S-adenosylmethionine which help to protect the body from various illnesses. It also contains fiber and is low in calorie. Beetroot juice is also an excellent source of betaine which works as a cardiovascular health protector. A lot of health conscious people incorporate the consumption of beetroot juice in their daily lives for optimum health benefits but one should always take some precautions while consuming fresh fruit juices.
Beetroot juice is also associated with some known side effects which can vary from person to person. Though these side effects or beetroot complications are not very serious but being aware of them would prove to be helpful. Some of the common problems related with the consumption of beetroot juice could be temporary paralysis of vocal chords, liver toxicity, diarrhea, vomiting, red stool and pink urine, hives or rashes, fever and chills and should be avoided by kidney and stone patients and diabetic patients. One must stop the consumption of beetroot juice if any of these side effects are observed and if the problem still persists, it is advisable to consult the doctor.
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Additionally, the use of this Red Tonik in your diet provides an easy way to enjoy the benefits of beets without the potential side effects associated with raw consumption. Red Tonik is made using beets, offering a delicious and hassle-free way to boost your nutrient intake.
Liver toxicity
Beetroot juice has strong cleansing nutritional value and thus has a powerful effect on the body; therefore consumption of large amount of undiluted juice may process more toxins into the liver thereby posing hindrance in an efficient functioning of liver. So people with liver conditions should consume small doses of beetroot juice and make sure that the beetroot for the juice is organically grown to avoid any artificial interaction with the liver. Also make sure to dilute your juice with juices like carrot, apple etc. to avoid the problem. Stop the intake if the toxicity is severe and consult your doctor.
Diarrhea
Beetroot juice can also be harmful for people with weak digestive system and since it has powerful effect on the lower digestive tract, its consumption may cause diarrhea. To avoid its severe effect dilute the juice with juices like pineapple, celery, cucumber, spinach etc. In healthy adults bouts of diarrhea generally clear up with adequate rest but if the problem still persists there is no harm in seeing your doctor. Also make sure that the beets picked up for juice are firm and smooth to touch to reduce its intolerance to the digestive tract.
Red stool and pink urine
Around 15 percent of people can experience appearance of pink or red stool and urine with the consumption of beetroot juice. This change in appearance looks alarming but it is normal due to the effect of the color of the juice. This allergy like effect is also known as beeturia. Beeturia can also be caused because of certain recessive set of genes. This allergy is also linked with the amount of pigments present in the beets and its consumption by the body. Due to the beets red purple color, it supplies the nutrient betaine to the body which is responsible for the formation of red urine and stool. This is a harmless allergy and would vanish if you stop the consumption of beets juice. Consult the doctor if you find it worrisome.
Kidney and stone patients
Beetroot contains high level of oxalic acid or oxalates. Cucumber, kale, green peppers, zucchini, egg plant, black current, plums are some of the other vegetables and fruits found with the presence of oxalate compound. Consumption of large amount beetroot juice may lead to kidney stones and it may worsen the position by increasing the pain and suffering in the patients of kidney stones. Oxalates also create indigestion if it is combined with minerals that contain calcium. So if you are consuming beetroot juice then you should avoid the calcium intake with it. Kidney and stone patients should seek medical advice before consuming beets juice. If you are still advised for it then dilute it with other juices like tomato and carrot.
Paralysis of vocal chords
Sometimes in some people partial or temporary loss of vocal chords is apparent after consuming beetroot juice. Beetroot juice is generally consumed for health reasons but sometimes this may result in an allergy causing tightness in the throat, though this is an uncommon condition. Voice loss occurs when the vocal chords, the fibrous bands of tissue inside the larynx vibrate when we speak, are unable to move normally. This condition is caused by drinking pure beetroot juice without any dilution. Even new users of beetroot juice could suffer from this hypersensitive symptom. So to prevent this side effect, balance the portions you consume and avoid having big portions at one go. If this symptom is accompanied by fever lasting for more than two days then it is time to consult your doctor.
Hives or rashes
There have been infrequent reports of people developing hives or rashes due to the consumption of beetroot juice. Women are more prone to this problem but the reason behind it remains unclear. Rashes or hives indicates allergy. As we know that beets juice is an excellent source of cleansing or detoxification but if your immune system is not very strong then it may break into a rash. Consumption of beetroot juice in some people cause an allergic reaction which causes certain skin cells to release histamine, local small blood vessels dilate and their walls become permeable. Clear fluid called serum then leaks into the surrounding tissues and causes characteristic inflammation and, itchy raised lumps of hives. Hives can develop within minutes of consuming beets juice. The lumps may vary in size, and larger ones may merge to form irregular patches known as weals. Initially a weal is red; later it becomes white at the center, leaving a red rim. It lasts for about a day before it disappears. If this rash does not disappear after stopping the consumption of beets juice in a day then it is advisable to consult your doctor. To avoid the situation in future try the diluted form of beetroot juice with other juices and obtain maximum benefits too.
Vomiting
Beetroot juice without dilution is a very powerful medicine. Beetroot juice also contains cancer healing properties and nitrate, but sometimes this property can cause irritation and intolerance to the stomach lining or digestive tract resulting in the outbreak of vomiting and general weakness. This could be a temporary problem but if you face this problem over and over again then avoid the pure concentrated form of beets juice rather dilute it with other fruit juices like spinach and carrot and if you still don’t get over with the problem try medical aid. In some cases it would be better to completely stop the consumption of beetroot juice but take a decision only after monitoring closely.
Fever or chills
An infrequent symptom due to the intake of beetroot juice has been reported in some cases. Sometimes an allergic reaction breaks in the body causing fever and chills due to the consumption of concentrated beetroot juice. This is one of the explanations given for the outbreak of this side effect. Drinking beetroot juice is believed to improve the cellular respiration and as a consequence these cells release stored waste and when a number of cells release the stored waste at the same time, it can cause flu like symptoms. A slight temperature accompanied with bouts of shiver
ing could be felt soon or little after consuming beetroot juice. But this feverish stage should not persist for more than one or two days. If it still persists then there could be some other infection too. If you are suffering from the side effect of beets juice then immediately stop it and if the problem still remains then see your doctor at once.
Beetroot juice and diabetes
When body cells are unable to utilize sugar in the blood and as a result the blood sugar rises, this condition is termed as diabetes. Beets contain high sugar levels and due to its high sugar content the consumption of beetroot juice is slightly contraindicated in patients of diabetes as the slightest amount of sugar intake could result in increasing blood sugar. A portion of beetroot juice can be diluted with other vegetables for consumption. Beetroot also contains high portion of carbohydrate and carbohydrate count is very important in a diabetic, so the diabetic patients are generally advised to stay off beetroot. Beetroot comes under the category of high glycaemic index food which is transformed into sugar by digestion and is digested faster than other foods. Do consult your dietitian or doctor before making a choice to consume beetroot juice. Even people with sugar level on the borderline should take a consultation from their doctor.